F1: Three Car Teams, New Qualifying?

Expect FOTA to recommend a number of provisions aimed at putting some energy back into F1, as they had promised during the German GP.

The first recommendation in an effort to revitalizing the sport to the FIA is to allow the team to run three cars, thus having a field of 36 cars. According to AP writer Rob Harris, spokesperson Secretary General Simone Perillo said

“Professional work has already begun within FOTA aimed at increasing the involvement of the fans and at improving the F1 show.

"Among those initiatives, one that could be interesting is the introduction of a third car on the grid. FOTA will seek the opinions of all the most relevant stakeholders in order to exchange ideas and define proposals for the future of Formula One.”

The same source suggest that "teams association is believed to be close to recommending an overhaul of qualifying to the FIA. Currently, five cars are excluded after each of the first two parts of qualifying, leaving 10 cars to compete for pole in the final 10-minute session.

"A plan that would make the starting lineup more unpredictable is to have five cars challenge in the preliminary session, with the two fastest progressing to challenge the next group of five until the grid is determined"

Regarding BMW, who are a member of FOTA, it is understood that Peter Sauber will take over the team and will take BMW's place in FOTA.

Perillo, also stated “FOTA teams have immediately consulted each other and are ready to assure all the necessary support to the Swiss-based team, whose membership in the association is confirmed, to continue its involvement in F1,”